First look at Ender’s Game

December 5, 2012 - By Liam Goodwin

Entertainment Weekly got their hands on our first official look at Ender’s Game, the upcoming adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s 1985 sci-fi novel. The image features Harrison Ford as Colonel Hyrum Graff and Asa Butterfield and the lead character, Ender.

The story is set in Earth’s future, where an imperiled humankind have barely survived two conflicts with the Formics (an insectoid alien species also known as the “Buggers”). These aliens show an ant-like group behavior, and are very protective of their leader, much like Earth ants protecting their queen.

In preparation for an anticipated third invasion, an international fleet maintains a school to find and train future fleet commanders. The world’s most talented children, including the novel’s protagonist, Ender Wiggin, are taken at a very young age to a training center known as the Battle School. There, teachers train them in the arts of war through increasingly difficult games including ones undertaken in zero gravity in the Battle Room where Ender’s tactical genius is revealed.

Ford’s character is in charge of the Battle School and while he is often portrayed rather coldly in the book, Graff shows affection for Ender which can be seen at several points throughout the story. Abigail Breslin will play Valentine Wiggin, Ender’s older sister, while Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) will play Petra Arkanianthe who quickly becomes Ender’s ally and trusted right hand.

Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, X-Men Origins: Wolverine) is directing and the film will be released November 1st, 2013.